Writing, Publishing

The Art of Creative Writing
Have you always wanted to write? Do you have a novel, poem(s) or memoir somewhere inside you? This course will introduce you to techniques and exercises designed to open you up to your creative self. We will explore the wide-open worlds of fiction, poetry and personal essay/memoir, and find ways to better express our creative ideas through metaphor, mood and tone. Each session will consist of spontaneous writing exercises followed by (non-mandatory) sharing and constructive, encouraging comments. Participants will also be assigned take-home exercises. This course is intended to inspire you to keep writing long after the final session is over. Beginners and more experienced writers are invited. Bring a notebook and a pen and the desire to write! Taught by Chris Belden. Chris Belden is the author of the novel Squirt, co-author of the feature film Amnesia, and numerous plays. He has an MFA in Writing from Fairfield University, where he has taught fiction writing. He also teaches creative writing at Garner Correctional Institution.

8 Sessions $135 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $101)
Wed., 2/1, 8, 15, 22; 3/7, 14, 21 & 28 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

8 Sessions $135 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $101)
Wed., 4/25; 5/2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 6/6 & 13 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Picture Book Writing Workshop
This hands-on workshop focuses on the methods and styles for writing children’s picture books. Picture book trends and published picture books are discussed. You have picture book reading assignments each week. In addition, a brief overview of children’s book genres and publishing and submitting know-how is given. Over half of the course consists of in-class writing exercises, and take-home writing assignments are critiqued by classmates and by the instructor. Students write and revise three picture book manuscripts during the course. Pre-Class Assignment: Write a 2-5 page picture book manuscript and bring it to the first class for critiquing. A $5 materials fee will be collected from each student on the first day of class. Taught by Suzanne Nelson. • Suzanne Nelson has been an editor for over 11 years, has published 8 children and young adult novels, and has taught at the community college and high school level.

6 Sessions $115 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $86) + $ Mtls.
Wed., 3/7, 14, 21, 28; 4/4 & 11 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

RSS, Blogs, Google Documents

Intro to Google Documents (in a cloud)
Google documents provide a free, “cloud”-based platform for creating and sharing spreadsheets, wordprocessing and presentations that are compatible with Microsoft Office or Open Office. Because your Google Documents live in a virtual “cloud”, you can get to them on any computer connected to the Internet. You can also create online forms that feed data automatically into a spreadsheet, offering a free replacement for similar analytical functionality on fee-based web survey sites. Prerequisites: Internet basics. Note: If you do not already have a free Google account, you will create one during the class. Taught by Charles Greenberg, head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He has taught computer and Practical Buddhism classes for many years.

2 hours $43 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32) (+ $ mtls)
Sat., 2/11 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Introduction to Blogging
Prerequisite: Windows 7 PC Basics and Internet Basics. Most blogs are a personal diary or a public soapbox. A blog can also be a way to share your favorite recipes, pizza joints, or pictures. It is easy to establish a free blog, but like anything you get for nothing, a free blog can disappear without warning. If you want to do a serious blog to improve your professional credentials, consider contracting and paying a small amount to host a blog, using blog software with more flexibility and unlimited personalized email accounts. This course will cover learning about blog production, using images to enhance your posts, and learning about RSS (really simple syndication) which is how your blog content is delivered to others, or how you can bring good web content to enhance your blog. See the instructor’s blogs at http://openbiomed.info and http://ysmuvisit.blogspot.com for examples.Taught by Charles Greenberg, head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He has taught computer and Practical Buddhism classes for many years.

2 hours $43 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32) (+ $ mtls)
Sat., 2/4 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

2 hours $43 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32) (+ $ mtls)
Sat., 3/31 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon; Venus Bldg.

Really Simple Syndication (RSS)
RSS is the circulation system of the internet, automatically depositing content from creators and providers to web pages, providing constant refreshing and creating currency. Teachers, researchers, trend analysts, politicians, physicians, and students of all ages can tap into the distribution of immediate news and knowledge by selecting an RSS reading platform and subscribing an unlimited variety of RSS feeds. Then the most up-to-date news and knowledge appear every time you access your RSS reader, whether that is a smart phone, iPad, or your iGoogle web page. This two-hour class will demonstrate the most effective techniques for organizing and reading RSS feeds, as well as the most popular and reliable sources of RSS content. Prerequisite: basic internet and web browsing skills. Taught by Charles Greenberg. Charles Greenberg is head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He has also been involved in computer training for over 12 years.

2 hours $43 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32)
Sat., 3/10 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

History & Art History

The Glorious Revolution and the Bloody Revolution
When the highly unpopular James II of England was pushed from the throne, the transition was virtually bloodless, and the country moved smoothly towards a constitutional monarchy. Yet a hundred years later, when changes to the government were proposed in France, matters soon erupted into a vicious contest that cost thousands of lives and plunged Europe into war. This course will look at the roles of the monarchs in these two revolutions and provide a sequential overview of the events that led to lasting change in both countries. Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years, has traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching European history.

2 Sessions $37 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $28)
Mon., 2/6 & 13 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

Russian Revolution
Like the German and Austrian empires, the Russian empire too was a casualty of the First World War. Had not war broken out, would the tsars have been able to maintain autocratic control of the country? This course will examine the state of Russia and its government in the early twentieth century and then follow the chain of events that toppled Nicholas II, destroyed the Romanov dynasty, and brought Lenin to power after the outbreak of war.Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years, has traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching European history.

2 Sessions $37 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $28)
Mon., 2/27 & 3/5 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

Napoleon
This series will offer an overview of the career and accomplishments of this extraordinary man. From the “whiff of grapeshot” that brought him to power, to his last restless years on St. Helena, we will consider not only his foreign policy and military campaigns, but also his many lasting contributions to the French state. All of this will be examined in the context of his personality and the mood of post revolutionary France. Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years, has traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching European history.

3 Sessions $52 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $39)
Mon., 3/26; 4/2 & 9 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

Three Cities of the Loire Valley: Amboise, Blois, and Orleans
Join us to explore, via slide presentation and lecture, the rich history and structure of these cities of the Loire Valley to reveal how events that occurred in Amboise, Blois, and Orleans shaped the entire history of France. Conspiracy, intrigue, and murder were regular occurrences as noble houses and religious groups vied for royal influence. Five hundred years later, these episodes still hold a power to both fascinate and instruct. Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years, has traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching European history.

3 Sessions $52 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $39)
Mon., 4/30; 5/7 & 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

Philosophy

Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self
Based on contemporary Buddhist bestseller The Buddha in Your Mirror (www.middlewaypress.com), this class will introduce a simple daily ritual that you can apply to relationships, career, health, and the unique environments you encounter in normal life. Unlike monastic traditions, this 700-year old Buddhist philosophy and technique can be practiced anywhere (not recommended while driving!) and can be completely integrated into your daily life (without redecorating, investing in a new wardrobe, or leaving for long weekends). Instruction will take place in English. Team taught by Charles Greenberg and a guest speaker. Charles Greenberg is head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He team-teaches Practical Buddhism.

1 Session $31 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $23)
Sat., 3/10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon; Venus Bldg.

Genealogy

Genealogy for Beginners
The first class covers starting your family tree, understanding relationships, finding sources of information, using the Internet to find records, and keeping tract of records using popular software. The second session highlights include: studying the US Census from 1790 - 1930, locating immigration records, reading ships’ manifests, using other available records, and a brief introduction to finding records outside the USA. Taught by Eileen Burton. Eileen Burton has been involved in genealogy as a serious hobby for over 10 years. Her research led to a trip to Germany to visit the villages of her ancestors. Class Limit 7.

2 Sessions $47 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $35)
Thur., 2/9 & 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

2 Sessions $47 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $35)
Mon., 3/12 & 19 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.